Syria finalizes first post-Assad parliament of 210 members

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has finalized the formation of the country's first post-Assad parliament, with the 210-member transitional legislature scheduled to hold its inaugural session on Monday, July 6. The move marks a significant step in Syria's political transition following the overthrow of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad in December 2024.

The president appointed the final 70 lawmakers on Wednesday, July 1, completing a chamber where two-thirds of the members were selected by local committees last October. Mohammad Taha al-Ahmad, head of the electoral committee, announced the appointments, stating the aim was to represent various segments of Syrian society. The new lawmakers include 15 women, raising the total number of female parliamentarians to 21, and 13 individuals who were imprisoned under the former authorities.

Notable appointees include former opposition figures such as Hassan Soufan, the former head of the Islamist rebel group Ahrar al-Sham; Anas al-Abdah, former head of the opposition in exile; and Gabriel Mushi Gowriyeh from the Assyrian Christian community. Also appointed were actress Rozina Lazkani and Aisha al-Dibs, who heads the government's women's...